Intel announces the availability of the NUC 8 Mainstream-G (aka "Islay Canyon") mini PCs, all packing 8th gen Intel Whiskey Lake processors and, thanks to a deal with AMD, optional Radeon 540X graphics.
The range offers 4 models in all, with a choice of low-power Intel Core i5-8265U and Core i7-8565U processors. The chassis remains the standard 12 x 11cm number, and all carry 8GB of soldered-down LPDDR3-1866/2133 DRAM. As mentioned earlier Radeon 540X discrete graphics (codenamed Lexa, based on Polaris architecture) are an option, but customers can also go for Intel UHD 630 graphics.
Different models can also feature Intel Optan Memory caching SSD or a 128/256GB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 SSD, together with a 1TB 2.5-inch HDD. Also available is a barebones version without any storage devices or installed software. Wireless connectivity comes through an Intel Wireless-AC 9560 CNVi 802.11ac Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5 solution with support for up to 1.73Gbps throughput over 106MHz channels. Also included are x1 GbE (I219-V), x2 display outputs (DP 1.2, HDMI 2.0b), x3 USB 3.0 Type-A ports, x1 USB 3.1 Gen 2 connector, SD card reader and a 3.5-mm audio jack.
As mentioned earlier, the Mainstream-G NUCs are available now.
